Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26007, Isaac Fish, Mass. Privateer

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Fish, Isaac
N. 26007
Privateer
Whitney, Mary
former widow
CONTENTS
This woman's 3 rd husband was also a pensioner. See case of Phinehas Whitney Mass S. 30204.

Maine - 2342
Mary Whitney, wife of Isaac Fisk, dec.
R9 who died in the town of Oron in the State of Maine who was a P.M. in the County commanded by Captain M. Cobb of the Reg't commanded by _____ in the Mass Gen'l Reg't for 8 mos & 4 days.
Entered on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 27 Dollars 10 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of Sept. 1831, to said Mary Whitney, Oron, Maine.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept. $203.25 Semi-annual allowance ending 13.55 $216.80
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not July 4, 1836, } { Section the 3. }
Recorded by R. Benner Clerk, Book A - Vol. 2 - Page 19

Certificate of Town Clerk of Georgetown

Isaac Fish and Mary Bletcher both of Georgetown intend Marriage Georgetown May 29 th 1779
Certificate dated June 8: 1779 William Butler Town Clerk They were Married by James M c Cobb Esq
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Record of the town of Georgetown County of Lincoln State of Maine John Hinkley Town Clerk
Georgetown June 23 d 1838
N. B. the day of their Marriage is not mentioned on the Record

Declaration of Mary Whitney of Dover for a Pension.

State of Maine 7 Piscataquis Co. ss 1
On this third day of July A.D 1838 personally appeared before the Subscriber, Judge of Probate for the County aforesaid, at a court held at Dover in said County, Mary Whitney, widow, a resident of said Dover aged Seventy five years in Aug. next, who, being first duly cautioned and sworn according to law, doth on her oath in open Court make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of congress passed July 4. 1836 — That she is the widow of Isaac Fish formerly of Georgetown, now called Phipsbury in the county of Lincoln, State of Maine — That she was born at said Georgetown — That her maiden name was Mary Blethen — That she first knew said Fish at said Georgetown in the year 1778 — That he then wore military cloths and said that he was a native of Rhode Island and had been in the continental army three years; but she cannot tell in what company or regiment or where he served; but that he told her he had so served and she had no reason to doubt it — That she was married according to law to said Fish by Judge James M c Cobb at the house of John Parker of Georgetown where she lived as an apprentice to said Parker — That M rs Butler, now the widow of Thomas Butler was at the wedding — — That her marriage took place in the month of July 1779 about a month before she was sixteen years old — That said Fish afterwards entered into a company of Militia, com-

-manded by Captain M c Cobb of Georgetown, a son of Judge M c Cobb who married her and served about four months to the best of her remembrance — that in the spring of 1780, he enlisted into the army and went to Thomaston and served till winter — that said Fish then entered on board a privateer and perished in the Bay of Fundy in a snow storm as was reported by those who saw the Privateer go down — that she saw him no more — that she afterwards married Ezekiel Emerson of said Georgetown — that after his death she married Phineas Whitney, a pensioner, who died at Norridgewock  there about 5 years ago — that she afterwards she removed to Dover, where she has lived a widow to this time.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day above written I further certify that the said Mary Whitney is a widow, is a person of reputation for truth and veracity, and that in my opinion the statements contained in the foregoing declaration are true
E. W. Simon, Judge of Probate.

State of Maine Piscataquis Co.
I the subscriber Register of Probate for the County of Piscataquis hereby certify that the foregoing act. before whom the proceedings were had is Judge of Probate for said County of Piscataquis I also certify that the foregoing instrument contains the original proceedings of said to be known in the matter of the application of widow Mary Whitney for a pension
Barnabas Bursley Regr.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal of said court this Third day of July. A.D. 1838.
Barnabas Bursley Regr of Probate.

Long  WIDOW, &c.
am
File No. 26007
Mary Whitney Widow of Isaac Fish Prim Riv. War.
Act: July 4 th '66
Index:—Vol. W , Page 325
[Arrangement of 1870.]

V 3646 — 110
Set to Jno. Hernek, 2 Aug 38. " Geo Evan Aug 30 1838
act 4 July '38

Isaac Fish - R.I. line - 79 or 80. James M c Cobb. afterwards Solomon Walker Spencer militia No roll -
4 mo 8 mo
  26.66     44          27.10   

Phippsburg Me June 27
10
Dear Friend L. Hall Mr. Merrick Esq. Postmaster Hallowell Maine Phippsburg
Certificate of the Clerk of County of Lincoln

State of Maine
Lincoln ss. _____ Clerks Office _____ June 23 d 1838.
I hereby certify that I do not find filed in this Office the Justice Records of the late James M c Cobb Esq. -
Jacob Smith, Clerk.
Mr. Merrick
D. Sir. Mr. Hill has gone to Saco, and he wished me to forward this certificate to you, in case it should arrive in his absence -
Yours &c. John Boynton

M. L. Hill's
declaration
Philipsburg
Me. June 25.
Free. M. L. Hill P. M.
The Hon. John Merrick
Hallowell.
Maine.
Ms. A. 9. 2. 22. 1838

I Mark Langdon Hill, of Phipsborg in the County of Lincoln & State of Maine of lawful age. Testify & say, that in October 1782, I became son in law to James M c Leob Esq m who was a Justice of the Peace for said County; he died the 17 July AD 1788. and his wife, my mother, ad- -ministered on his estate, and by her directions, some time in the following year, I carried said M c Leob's Justice records, and delivered them to the Clerk of the courts for said County of Lincoln and further saith not.
Mark Langdon Hill
State of Maine.
Lincoln Js. Phipsborg 23 d June AD. 1838. Then the aforesaid, Deponent was cautioned, examined & sworn to the truth of the above Affidavit, by him subscribed. Taken at the request of John Merrick Esq m of Hallowell, Agent to the Widow Mary Whit- -ney, formerly the Widow Fish, by me
Thomas M c Reed Just. Pacis.

Phipsbury June 25 th 1838.
John Merrick Esq.
Dear Sir,
On my return from Augusta, I addressed a letter to the County Clerk at Winthrop, requesting him to forward me immediately a certificate of the non existence of Justice Melobbs records, finding upon re-examination, the line he before wrote me was insufficient. Being unable to go to Georgetown myself under pressing engagements, I employed a trusty man with a letter to the Clerk of Georgetown, with the form of a certificate, in case no record could be found of the marriage of Fish, but on Saturday night, he returned with a copy of the record, enclosed - I send you my declaration with regard to the disposition of the Justice's records. & when an answer is received from Winthrop, it will be forwarded forthwith.
I shall set out on a journey to the County of York this morning, to return on Saturday night.
With undiminished respect,
Your friend & Ob l . Servt.
M. L. Hill.

Deposition of Thomas Heald

State of Maine
County of Somerset ss.
Personally appeared before me Drummond Hansonworth judge of Probate for the County of Somerset Thomas Heedea of Houlton in said County a revolutionary pensioner aged ninety four years a credible witness and a person to me well known.
After being sworn according to law, deposes and says That I was well acquainted with Isaac Fish we both of us enlisted for eight months service into Capt. Solomon Walcutt's Company 1st Prince Regiment Massachusetts Line. Fish enlisted as a drummer and soon appointed a corporal & employed to drill the men. We enlisted Apr 25 1780 I well recollect that Fish wore a military coat the other men did not wear a uniform. I often heard Fish say he had been in the service before and I have no doubt he had but do not recollect in what company. Fish was a smart active officer and well acquainted with the duties of a soldier. After his term of service in Capt. Walcutt's Company had expired he entered on board the Golden Pippin a Privateer then fitting out of Thomaston and was said to be last the following winter in the bay of Fundy.
Thomaston was the headquarters of our Regiment and the service was all along the sea shore from Portland to Machias. Fish got a furlough to go home to see his wife and child while we were at Thomaston.

State of Maine
County of Somerset ss
Personally appeared before me Drummond Harrisonth judge of Probate for the County of Somerset Thomas H. H. of Houlton in said County a revolutionary veteran aged twenty four years a credible witness and a person to me well known
After being sworn according to law, does testify & say That I was well acquainted with Isaac Fish we both of us enlisted for eight months service into Capt Solomon Walcutt's Company 1st Prince Regiment Massachusetts Sim Fish enlisted as a drummer and soon appointed a corporal & employed to drill the men. We enlisted Apr 25 1780 I well recollect that Fish wore a military coat the other men did not wear a uniform I often heard Fish say he had been in the service before and I have no doubt he had but do not recollect in what company Fish was a smart active man and well acquainted with the duties of a soldier After his term of service in Capt Walcutt's Company had expired he entered on board the Golden Pippin a Privateer then fitting out of Thomaston and was said to be last the following winter in the bay of Fundy
Thomaston was the headquarters of our Regiment and the service was all along the sea shore from Portland to Machias Fish got a furlough to go home to see his wife and child while we were at Thomaston

I am well acquainted with Mrs. Mary Whitney have known her for many years I heard of her when she was the wife of the within named Isaac Fish in 1780 Fish often spoke of his wife and children and that they lived at Georgetown and that he married Mary Blithen
I afterwards became acquainted with her personally at Stonington in the 1786. She was then the wife of Esaias Emerson by whom she had a large family of children Mr. Emerson died about 1804 and his widow married with Mr. Thomas Whitney of Stonington Mr. Whitney died about 1832 and his widow Mary Whitney removed from Stonington to Dover Maine to live with her children Mrs. Whitney has always been a good character Mrs. Whitney has always been poor and for many years in quite low circumstances
John Seagley told me that he witnessed the loss of the Golden Pippin Privateer with all her crew in the bay of Fundy Seagley being then on board & having charge of her third prize
Witness James B. Farnsworth
Thomas Heath
Subscribed & sworn to the day and year above mentioned D. Farnsworth

Sept 19.
Ms
Hon. J. L. Edwards
FREE
Pension Office
Washington

Sir
Hartwell Sep. 12. 1838
I assure you that I feel the impropriety of giving unnecessary trouble to a gentleman at the Head of a public Office — but having this moment perceived the misapprehension which dictated your letter of Aug. 2 d  to my answer , you will pardon my correcting it. In that letter you say that "there were not 2 Militia Officers of the names of Capt s James M c Cobb & Captain Solomon Walker". And hence you infer a mistake which may be deemed fatal to Mrs. Whitney's claim as widow of Isaac Fish.
I named as a Militia Officer only James M c Cobb; — as Captain of the Privateer Golden Pippin in which Isaac Fish was lost I named — Weston. The only time I named Capt s Solomon Walker was as a Captain in Col. Preme's regiment — which I presume was a Regiment of regulars — not a Militia regiment.

In your letter addressed to Hon. Geo. Evans 2 the home of Representatives under date April 30. 1838 you say " in reply to "Mr. Merrill's" enquiry I have the " honor to inform you that Isaac Fish is found on " the Roll of Captain Solomon Walker's of Col. Prime's " regiment for 8 months 4 days from April 23, 1780 "
In the whole view of the age & infirmities of Mrs Whitney and the weakness of part of her evidence - and of the strength of the proof of the 8 m. 4 d. service, I take the liberty, as Mr. Whitney's Agent, to request that the doubtful part of her case sh d be rejected - and the evidence of the 8 months 4 days service alone be received as constituting her case - While we are talking about the doubtful parts of her claim, she may die. It is better for her to enjoy the smaller sum, that wear away her life in hope deferred.

You will probably think her marriage proved; and the 8 th of 4 th service proved by her witnesses; and authenticated by your own rolls - I trust you will grant her a pension for that at your earliest leisure - and let the rest of the claim go.
If you admit her claim, will you allow one of your Clerks to advise me of the fact - - when - when - & how much may be allowed her & paid - & whether more than her power of Attorney to receive it will be required.
I have the honor to be very respectfully Yours
John Merrick
P.S. I shall be in Dover (where M rs Whitney lives) in 2 or 3 weeks - and shall be happy to hear to her news of her success.

Whitney
In at me.
FREE
L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office
Washington -

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Haltom City. Aug. 25. 1888
Sir:
In consequence of my absence from home I did not receive your favor of Aug. 2 till this morning.
I believe I have obtained & sent all the evidence which can be obtained in the case of Widow Whitney - widow of Isaac Fish. I am sensible that it is defective as to the services of Fish before he went to Georgetown in 1878. If your rules admit no discretionary power in the Head of your department to judge of probabilities, we cannot with propriety to expect any provision for such presumptive services -
As to the services under Capt. Mc Cobb. it is probable that they might have been more laborious defences - and not unlikely to be voluntary

But the services of eight months & 4 days, from Ap. to December 1780 appear to me to be fully established — as is the previous marriage of the parties. — If that be in your estimation the full amount of her claim, which in your view you can allow her, according to your view of your own duty, it would be unreasonable to expect more. When I saw M rs Whiting in May or June she was very inform — the immediate enjoyment of her countess's bounty becomes important to her Will you allow me to ask you to allow one of your clerks to advise me, what amount will be granted to her for arrearage — what the amount of her pension annually — where and when it will be paid — and what documents

will be required to obtain it
It is the only pension case I have ever undertaken — let this procure your forgiveness for any unnecessary trouble to your Office. The service has been very troublesome to me, and has been, and always will be wholly gratuitous on my part. — No expense I have been at will ever be charged to the pensioners —
Sincerely yours resp ly
John Merrick
I saw Mr Eames on Thursday and told him I had not heard from you. He said he would write you.

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir
Hallowell July 7. 1838.
I enclose to your care and examination, evidence of the claim of the widow Whitney to a pension; which I trust will be satisfactory
1 st There is a general account given by the widow of her marriage with Isaac Fish, from and the incidents of his & her subsequent lives together & separate - 2 d Town Clerk of Georgetown's certificate of the record of the publication of their intention of marriage - 3 rd Judge Hill (who is known to you) declares how he conveyed his father, Judge McRobb's records to the office of the County Clerk for Lincoln Co in 1789 4 A certificate of the present Clerk that he cannot find them -
All these papers are verified by proper officers.
5. The deposition of Mrs Butler that she was present at the marriage of Isaac Fish & said Mary Blethen -

6 The depositions of Tho s Heald and Abraham Day that they enlisted with him in Walker's Company and Prime's regiment in Ap. 1780 - and of Fish's serving 8 month before he was transferred to a Proactive in promotion of the cause of American Independence
7- The deposition of Massie to these facts generally.
These last say he was under Capt. m Cobb's command for 4 month in the militia service. You are doubtless aware that small point Harbour in Georgetown - now Phipsburg is a perfectly safe harbour; and gave protection to British vessels, against landing from which it was necessary to protect the inhabitants
Of the former services of Isaac Fish before his marriage I may add that at Phipsburg there is a general belief of its truth - but where he served and under whom & how long, no evidence exists in these

parts. There is a general agreement that he came to Georgetown in an American Privateer, from Rhode Island or Long Island or New London - that he wore a regimental coat - stated that he had been in the service - and afterwards in Walker's company proved his military knowledge, and was appointed a Corporal and employed in drilling the men - and that he displayed his Gunnery when he entered the Privateer -
And now Sir will you do me the favor to direct a Clerk to acknowledge to me the safe arrival of these papers - of their rejection or acceptance will you permit me to be informed - if accepted will you cause me to be advised of the sum allowed - when and where to be paid - and what other instrument I must forward to enable me to receive it
In fine, will you permit me to tender every proper apology for the trouble I have or may occasion you - The claims of widows & especially poor ones are universally binding
Sir, Yours respectfully John Merrick

Deposition of Margaret Butler.

I Margaret Butler of Phipsborg in the County of Lincoln (formerly Georgetown) & State of Maine, Widow, aged 79 years the 22 nd of August next. I testify & say, that I well remember Isaac Fish who came into this town some time in the year 1778 about hay time, from New London as he said; that in hay time 1779. he was married to Mary Fletcher, now the widow Whitney. who was then an Apprentice to John Parker, where I lived at the time, and I was present when said Fish & her, were married by Hon. James Cobb Esquire, that then they went to a place called Small Point, in said town, where she was born, and further the Deponent saith not. Margaret her X Butler mark
State of Maine
Lincoln ss. Phipsborg June 13. 1838. Then the aforesaid De- ponent was examined, and cautioned & sworn to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed; Taken at the request of John Merrill Esquire of Hallowell, Agent to the widow Mary Whitney, formerly the widow Fish, before Mark Langdon Hill. Just. Peace.
W. Rogers

Deposition of Abraham Day.
just

I, Abraham Day of Phipsbury (formerly Georgetown) aged 75 years, testify & say, that I well remember Isaac Fish, who came into this Town in the summer 1778, that he landed in a vessel from Rhode Island, who was dressed in regimental clothes (that he said he had served some considerable time in the army) and that in about a year after this, he married Mary Bletcher, who was my cousin, & lived at Capt. John Parker. I was not present at the wedding, but it was reported by the people of the town that he was married by Judge James McCobb, & I never heard this doubted by any one, & I fully believe it myself. —
Soon after this, he enlisted in a company of militia of which James McCobb, son of the above Judge McCobb, was captain; and that he remained in that service about four months, In the April afterwards, he and myself enlisted for 8 months in the service, passed muster before Col. Small of Bath, went to Camden and Thomaston, then called St. George, being in Capt. Walker's company; Major Tabor & Gen. Wadsworth were among the officers, where we continued 8 months — After this said Isaac Fish enlisted on board the Privateer called the Golden Pippin proceeded on a cruise having made three prizes, was some time after lost in the Bay of Fundy, where all on board perished — This Fish was called Corporal, employed much in drilling the men, and said to have acted as gunner on board said Privateer, and further the Deponent saith not.
June 15 th 1838
Abraham Day
State of Maine.
Lincoln Co. on the 15 th day of June A.D. 1838. The above-said Deponent was examined & cautioned & sworn to the truth of the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed.
Taken at the request of John Merrick Esq. acting in behalf of the widow Mary Whitney, formerly Fish.
before me.
Fuller Lowell, Just. Peace.

I William Mains of Phippsburg (formerly Georgetown) in the County of Lincoln & State of Maine, aged almost eighty eight years, testify & say, that I well remember Isaac Fish, who came into this town, about the middle of the summer 1778, from the State of Rhode Island, as he said; that he made it his home occasionally at least at John Parkers in said Georgetown, where he married Mary Blethen, who was my cousin, the following year 1779. Said Fish was in the militia service some months according to my best recollection, but how long I do not remember, as I elsewhere in the service part of the time — But in the Spring of the year 1780, said Fish enlisted for one year in the United States service — and after eight months service, he enlisted on board the Privateer Golden Pippin of Thomaston in said State, commanded by Weston Master, & Foster Lieutenant. & this effected by  was by the influence of Capt. Whitson who wished Fish to his gunner, for having fired across the river & hitting a certain rock, the first time which the former gunner could not do.
After this Ichabod Doughty of Brunswick & Joseph Sedgely who were of the crew of the Golden Pippin, were returning across the bay of Fundy in a prize, I saw the Golden Pippin founder in a gale of wind, and all on board drowned & Isaac Fish was among the number. I further recollect that Fish was a corporal in the service, being generally so called. and further the Depo t saith not.
William Mains
State of Maine.
Lincoln Co. Phippsburg June 13 th 1838. Then the aforesaid Depo t was examined & cautioned & sworn to the truth of the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed; Taken at the request of John Merrick Esquire of Hallowell, Agent to the widow Mary Whitney, formerly, the Widow Fish, before
Mark Langdon Hill, Just. Pac.
I further certify, that the interlineations above made was done by me, in inserting the words was in two places, & the name of the Captain Weston rather obscure — Also the words " the first time ", were interlined by me before the oath was administered. Mark L. Hill Just. Pac.

Having been called upon to take the within Affidavit, by John Merrick Esquire of Wallasea, who stands very high in the community, together with some other affidavits in relation to the claims of the widows, formerly the wife of Isaac Fish, would voluntarily add, that I have lived in Phipsbury, formerly, Georgetown, since the fall of 1782. That I have no personal knowledge of Isaac Fish, but have often heard him spoken of, but that I have lived among the connections of the widows Mary Whitney formerly the widows Fish, and I recollect well when she was married in this town to Ezekiel Emerson, eldest son of the Rev. Ezekiel Emerson who was Congregational minister of this town for upwards of fifty years. That I have conversed with most of the elderly people of this town, who uniformly say they believe, that Mary Blather married Isaac Fish as her first husband, at old Capt. John Parkers, by Judge James Cobb, that he was in the militia & regular service of the United States for a considerable time, that he appeared in regimentals when he first came into the town, & that he was finally lost in the bay of Fundy on board a privateer.
Mark Langelon Hall, Formerly Member of Congress.
Deposition of William Morris.

3646,
Mary Whitney formerly widow of Isaac Whitney Me Whitney
act 4. July 1836
admd Sm. 48 hri $27:10
no deduction
Geo. Merrill Esq. Hallowell Me

EDWARD KENT, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MAINE.
TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS,
GREETING.
KNOW YE, That Drummond Farnworth, whose name is borne upon the paper hereunto annexed, is Judge of Probate within and for the County of Somerset. That Eleazer W. Snow, whose name is borne upon the paper hereunto annexed, is Judge of Probate within and for the County of Piscataquis; That Barnabas Bursley, whose name is borne upon the paper hereunto annexed, is Register of Probate within and for the County of Piscataquis; That Jacob Smith, whose name is borne upon the paper hereunto annexed, is Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Lincoln; That Mark L. Hill, whose name is borne upon the paper hereunto annexed is Justice of the Peace & of the Quorum, and that Thomas M. Reed and Fallman Lowell, whose names are borne upon the papers hereunto annexed, are Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Lincoln, duly nominated and appointed, commissioned and qualified; and that to their Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have caused the Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand at AUGUSTA, this sixth day of July , in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight, and in the sixty third year of the Independence of the United States of America.
BY THE GOVERNOR.
Sam. P. Benson Secretary of State.